Is Switch game data saved on the cartridge?

Where is game save data stored? On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played.

Will I lose my game progress if I get a new Switch?

Your save data will be deleted on the source console. *Save data is stored on the console you're currently using. In order to play games with your latest save data on multiple systems, you'll need to transfer the save data each time you use a different console.

What happens when you put a Switch cartridge in a different Switch?

The short answer is, nothing bad happens if you insert a cartridge for a game you already own digitally. And nothing bad will happen if you own the game physically, but buy digitally later on. If you have both physical & digital, the switch will play the game from the cart when the cart is inserted.

Is it better to buy Switch cartridge or online?

Much of it comes down to personal preference. If you like having shelves lined with your games that you can browse and reminisce, you'll want to go for physical. If you prefer the convenience and speed offered through digital purchases, and don't want game boxes lying around, then you'll want to go digital.

Can two switches use the same game card?

In addition any digitally purchased game can be "shared" to other switches. To do that you must log into the second switch with the same account you used to purchase the game and set it as your new Primary switch in the settings. This allows you to download it.

The Sad Truth About Nintendo Switch Cartridges

How do I get my game data back on my Switch?

Previously backed up save data is automatically restored when re-downloading software from the Nintendo eShop. You can also restore save data using the Save-Data Backup option within Data Management.

How do I keep my game progress on a new Switch?

Will I lose my Animal Crossing Island if I get a new Switch?

What is transferred to the new console with a full island transfer? When a full island transfer is completed, all island save data, progress, animal neighbours, residents, residents' inventories and homes are transferred to the new console. No Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data will remain on the original console.

Does Animal Crossing save to the game card or the Switch?

The Animal Crossing save data is saved to the Switch itself, rather than the user, so creating a new one to safely move your save data won't affect you in the long run. You will still be able to access your Animal Crossing island from your usual profile once the transfer is complete.

How to start a new island on Animal Crossing without losing everything?

Visit their island and drop off any items that you want to keep there. Now when you start your new game, just re-add them as a friend and take a trip to their island to get all your stuff back!

What happens if you play Animal Crossing on a new Switch?

There are two options to transfer your save data for the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game to another Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch Lite system. You can either transfer your full island save data—including everything on it—or individual player data—that is, just a player resident.

Why didn't my save data transfer to my new Switch?

Ensure both consoles are connected to the internet. Verify that both consoles have the latest system update installed. Verify that the same Nintendo Account is linked to a user on each console. Ensure both consoles are near each other.

Why can't i transfer my Animal Crossing data?

The original island and animal residents will remain on the original Nintendo Switch system, and the island resident representative cannot be transferred. You must have access to both the original system and the new system to use this feature.

Can you transfer Switch save data to SD card?

Transferring game data

On the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Move Data Between System/microSD Card". *If no microSD card is inserted, this option won't be selectable. To transfer data from the system memory to the microSD card, select "Move to microSD Card".

How do I get my data back on Animal Crossing?

Select the island you wish to restore on your Nintendo Switch system, then select Recover Data. Select Yes, please to confirm you are ready to restore the selected island backup. If you started a new island on your Nintendo Switch, it will be lost and replaced with your island backup.

Does Nintendo Switch backup game data?

Note: When you become a Nintendo Switch Online member, automatic backup will be enabled for all compatible software. This setting can be adjusted for each game and user. Save data files can also be manually backed up from the game's software menu or from System Settings.

Does deleting a game on Nintendo Switch save your data?

Deleting or archiving software will not impact your save data. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased. If a microSD card is inserted, the save location will default to the microSD card when downloading or redownloading software.

Do you need two copies of Animal Crossing to transfer data?

Think of it as one person moving away: the island stays where it is and its other residents can carry on as usual. Important note: For this to work, you need two systems and two Animal Crossing: New Horizons games (one for each system).

Can you have 2 islands on one Switch?

You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games. A different system is required to create a different island. The island save data is saved on the Nintendo Switch system, so there will only be one island (save file), even if different games are used on the same system.

How do I transfer data to a new Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings, then Data Management, and then Transfer Your Save Data. Select Send Save Data to Another Console, then select the user whose save data file you wish to transfer. Select the save data file for the software title you want to send to another system. Select Send Save Data.

How do I get old save data on a new Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” > “Data Management” > “Transfer Your Save Data”. Select “Send Save Data to Another Console”, then select the user whose save data file you wish to transfer. Select the save data file for the software title you want to send to another console. Select “Send Save Data”.

Where is Switch save data stored?

Where is game save data stored? On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played. Game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.

How long does it take to transfer save data from one Switch to another?

The systems will now begin exchanging data, which may take up to or over 30 minutes depending on the amount of save data you have. Make sure both consoles are plugged into an official power supply for the duration of this transfer.

Can I have 3 Nintendo switches on the same account?

You can have one primary console at a time for your Nintendo Account. The first Nintendo Switch console you use to connect to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch will become your primary console. While using the primary console, any user account on the console can play the downloadable content you have purchased.